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Platform: Game Boy Advance
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Publisher: Namco
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Developer: Codo Technologies Ltd.
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Medium: Cartridge
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Players: 1 - 2
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Online: No
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Also on: (n/a)
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A turn-based strategy game with the heart of a shooter, who'da thunk it?
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Nowadays, turn-based strategy games are pigeonholed into two major segments: widespread wargames and limited skirmishes that feel more like chess with RPG rules. Rebelstar: Tactical Command falls in the latter category, but has some twists that make it a standout title.
To compare Rebelstar: Tactical Command to most other real-time strategy games is a bit unfair. Although it uses the telltale grid system, gameplay is closer in concept to tactical shooters such as Full Spectrum Warrior. Instead of marching around and grinding characters to ludicrous levels so they can wipe stages clean in minimal time, Rebelstar instead makes a large deal of finding and using cover to your advantage.
In the usual firefight, you have your team at a distinct numerical disadvantage. Not only that, your opponents outgun you... So what's a soldier to do but run to cover? Most matches will start with you running to something a little more safe than open ground. Whether it be behind a window, entrenched in a bunker, or just plain hiding, it's imperative to put units in strategically correct places. Not only that, but a smart line of sight system forces you to keep not only a strong defense, but also to make sure your back isn't exposed. When you're in the middle of a base defense, having someone watch a doorway with weapon drawn is the difference between victory and defeat.
So you've got your soldiers hunkered down in a defensive position, ready to pick off anything that comes their way. Every entrance is sealed, every character is relatively safe. Right now, you're untouchable, right? Wrong. Rebelstar has another bit of ingenuity in destructive environments. Any explosive has the potential to knock down a wall, making a new hole your defense didn't account for. Not only that, splash damage can take you out through walls. In that, Rebelstar proves to not only be about a firm strategy, but also a knack for improvisation.
While Rebelstar has an extremely solid tactical feel with the potential for some intense battles, the presentation does drag it down a bit. Music is generic, if a bit annoying. Graphics fit the same generic mold, taking some beautiful character art and making them into faceless drones on the battlefield. In the end, however, Rebelstar: Tactical Command's shortcomings are vastly outweighed by the ingenius design and fun gameplay.
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